104 Best Restaurants in Aruba

Named after the plant tequila is derived from, this welcome addition to Aruba’s culinary scene is dedicated to showcasing authentic Mesoamerican flavors inspired by diverse regions like Oaxaca. Familiar-sounding dishes like tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, and fajitas come full of surprises like braised octopus, beef tongue, chorizo, and cotija cheese, and they also do a mean vegan taco. Signature cocktails are also creative with surprisingly authentic Mexican twists. The stand-alone bar and the restaurant are open to the public and resort guests, but reservations are recommended for dining.

Secreted away just off the main Palm Beach strip, seek out the hidden Buddha to find the twinkling lights that lead to an absolutely enchanting upscale Asian-fusion emporium with stunning decor and Aruba’s longest bar. Enjoy an eclectic selection of dim sum, sushi, and creative meat and seafood dishes that can be paired with sake, Japanese beer, and whiskey or a killer handcrafted cocktail from their expert mixologists. Vegan menu options are available, and they deliver, too.

One of Aruba's most popular toes-in-the-sand spots (even their indoor dining has sand on the floor), it's all about creative international fusion cuisine, comprehensive upscale wine choices, and superb signature cocktails in an ultimate barefoot-luxury setting. The sunset views are always spectacular.

Located across the street from Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort, this trendy beachfront spot serves the perfect seaside casual fare—panini, wraps, burgers, and salads—as well as great cocktails and live entertainment. Enjoy superb swimming and sunset views there. They also serve breakfast. 

This charming bistro dining spot is the quintessential meeting place for those seeking great signature cocktails, creative tapas, quality coffee, and healthy lunch options. They also offer a full dinner menu, with dishes that range from chicken cordon bleu to beef tenderloin with Dutch potatoes. Suikertuin means “sugar garden” in Dutch, and this spot is so named for the yellow sugar birds that frequent the courtyard behind the historic colonial heritage house.

What began as a catering company became so popular that they decided to open a brick-and-mortar café in the heart of Downtown Oranjestad, so now you can dine inside their cheery space to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an amazing selection of gourmet cheeses, quality charcuterie, and a surprising selection of fine wines, too. Grab one of their BC boxes to go for a perfect picnic, or a lavish platter of goodies to entertain guests back at your hotel.

Secreted away near the Barceló resort you’ll find a hip, laid-back tropical oasis of tiki-style huts and “bohemian” escapes with a focus on French and world cuisine, sometimes with a local Caribbean twist. It’s well worth seeking out for the cool vibe and eclectic choice of fare, ranging from raclette or ginger-and-honey duck to braised lamb or paella, with some creative vegetarian and vegan options thrown in. Weekdays are typically a soul-soothing experience with soft live music and low-key events, but Friday and Saturday nights are all about electro-lounge dance parties. Service is first-rate and fun.

This landmark family-run bakery has been a local favorite since it first opened in 1949, and it's still home to the island's most authentic baked goods, including epic cakes, cupcakes, and pastries. There are also sandwiches and savory snacks like pastechi (handheld stuffed pastries) and hot dog broodjes ideal for a grab-and-go lunch or breakfast.

Seeking to capture the quintessential hip experience, Brutto is trendy on steroids—think cocktails served in biodegradable plastic baggies with rubber duckies floating in them or grilled octopus millefeuille. But even though it's billed as Asian-modern fusion, they will appeal to the less adventurous with mains like glazed short ribs or Fish, Chips and More Chips. You can also order some pasta from their sister restaurant, Trattoria Lucca, next door. But it’s the open-kitchen sushi bar, live DJ, and cool vibe here that draws most people; they stay open till midnight. Later, hop into their glam dance club, The Office, under the same roof.

The cheery Ritz-Carlton breakfast spot known as Solanio takes on a whole new identity in the evenings as it transforms into Casa Nonna (meaning "grandmother's house"), dedicated to serving up authentic Italian cuisine. Service is exquisite (they even have a cocktail cart), and you can taste the care put into the handmade pastas and sauces. Don't miss the Mediterranean sea bass or grilled octopus for that real Italian coastal flavor, too.   Snag a table outside to catch spectacular sunsets and soft live music by the firepit.

The bizarre rock formations at Casibari, which may make you feel as if you've dropped into Fred and Wilma Flintstone's dining room, make a great backdrop to this casual, offbeat restaurant, where wood-fired barbecue is king. Your generously portioned meal will be fire grilled under the stars, always accompanied by delicious sides that include coleslaw, Caribbean rice, and Casibari beans. Seating is strictly alfresco. After dark, the rocks are playfully illuminated for the nighttime crowd—this is a regular stop for the Kukoo Kunuku party bus dinner tour.

Since 1941, Charlie's has been the heart and soul of San Nicolas, famous for its interior decorated with eclectic bric-a-brac left behind by decades of international visitors. It also serves surprisingly good food, including delicious fresh fish and shrimp and killer steaks. They also bottle and sell their own brand of hot sauce called Honeymoon Sauce. Lunch or a very early dinner are the only options, since closing time is generally 6 pm. 

Enjoy locally roasted coffee at this cheery spot and take home some of their special Aruba blend as an ideal souvenir. They also offer gelato, locally made pastries, soups, and sandwiches.

This red-hot landmark establishment in the heart of Renaissance Marketplace specializes in traditional Havana specialties and is the only spot on Aruba where you can enjoy an authentic Cuban sandwich for lunch. There's even a surprisingly good selection of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan fare on offer. The atmosphere is fun and friendly, and the location is ideal for people-watching along the seaport marina. Their boast of having the best mojitos in town is a fair claim, and they also have a mojito-to-go kiosk if you want to judge for yourself before committing to dining there.

Don’t let the rustic decor fool you: this is not your average Italian resort eatery, though it's an inviting choice for large groups. Da Vinci pulls out all the stops to present a seriously upscale, authentic, and creative menu of Mediterranean favorites. Tucked away in the Holiday Inn, it’s well worth seeking out for killer incarnations of osso buco, homemade pastas, and seafood served Italian-style, plus great vegan options. There's also a fabulous wine room with a surprisingly comprehensive selection of vintages from around the world. It's family-friendly, too, with a kids' menu and big communal tables for groups. Dining at Da Vinci Ristorante is included in the resort's all-inclusive program.

A stellar spot with stunning seaside views, this strictly adults-only dining spot embodies the resort's global reputation for promoting green living and a healthy lifestyle. The wide-ranging menu of internationally flavored dishes includes many organic, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices that use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. The popular authentic Aruban and Caribbean lunch and dinner buffet is offered Monday--Saturday.

If you’re seeking something more pubby than clubby, sleuth out this casual and comforting spot tucked away on The Cove Mall's far corner, facing the Holiday Inn parking lot. It’s all about the beer and the bites here, as Fireson offers up their own craft beer and authentic Aruban comfort food like funchi fries with cheese, croquettes, and empanadas (pastechi's close cousin). They also serve homemade Angus burgers, lots of styles of wings, tacos, and quesadillas. This is Aruba’s first microbrewery, so it’s more about the beer than the fare, as good as it is, and these folks are fun, friendly, and really know their brews.

Opened in 1977, this was the first restaurant in Aruba to offer feet-in-the-water dining, and its insanely romantic seaside setting is why this legendary landmark is so worth the trek out to Savaneta. An international menu is designed to please all palates, but the real culinary draw is fish straight from the island’s most famous local fisherman’s pier, located a few doors over. The setting is enchanting, with fabulous sunset views giving way to the twinkling lights of tiki torches and lights set in the sea; even the indoor decor is awash with artificial stars.  Reserve well in advance for a table in the water.

What began as a classy laid-back wine and tapas piano bar has evolved into more of a New York–style steak lounge meets BBQ joint thanks to the popularity of the Big Green Egg BBQ trend. Once they began using this ceramic outdoor charcoal grill to offer up big, hearty, juicy cowboy steaks and grilled lobster tails, the aroma and smoke drew an entirely different kind of hungry and hearty crowd. There's still live music but it's usually a great band, and there's a great selection of tapas and wines by the glass if you want to pop in before or after visiting the Alhambra Casino next door.

This gorgeously decorated emporium near the Old Windmill is awash in cherry blossoms and soft neon with ultra-modern accents and an exciting inviting feel, but the biggest surprise is the fusion of cuisines all under the same little roof. The menu features a mix of elegantly presented Japanese and Peruvian fare, with excellent sushi renditions as well. It’s unusual but it works. And of course, sushi platters are always great to share with the whole table. Delivery available, and vegan options available on request. 

Located about five minutes from Arikok National Park's entrance, this spot has always been a legendary place for authentic Aruban baked goods, especially whole bolos (cakes). They still have about 20 kinds to choose from, including a few 6-inch sizes. Recently, they've upped their game to offer a wide range of hearty international and authentic Aruban breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices, making it also a great place to sample some of the island's traditional stobas (stews) and sopas (soups). The menu is still in Aruban florins though, so while they do take U.S. dollars, your change will most likely be in florin.

A contemporary poolside dining option at Manchebo Beach Resort, this alfresco oasis features inspired Caribbean-international cuisine, and vegans are especially excited about their entire menu devoted to gourmet plant-based dining. Creative preparations of meat, seafood, and fish—locally sourced whenever possible—are all enhanced with flavors from the on-site herb garden, and the chef often surprises with exotic daily specials. Note that this is a cashless restaurant.

Created in spring 2021 by legendary local chef Urvin Croes, one of the island’s most innovative purveyors of ultramodern cuisine, this new chef’s table experience offers infinite possibilities for the palate. The “Chef’s Impression” experience is an extensive 12-course themed menu based on world flavors and seasonal, locally sourced (whenever possible) ingredients; the plating of each dish is often so exquisite you might hesitate to dig in, but don't. Pair with craft cocktails or wine by the glass for an additional cost.

Housed in a cheery blue-and-green cottage, this charming spot is run by Kamini Kurvink, who combines her Trinidadian heritage with local flavors to create unique Caribbean comfort food. Fish, seafood, and meat dishes are served with a spicy flair thanks to Kamini's secret signature hot sauces.

The historic 200-year-old red windmill called De Olde Molen is a famous Aruba landmark, brought from Holland in 1960 piece by piece and then reconstructed to its original glory. It has housed many different venues for dining and imbibing over the years, but now it splits its time as Diana’s Pancakes, which serves up Dutch-style crepes in a variety of delicious styles during the day, and at night Chef Fred creates an eclectic choice of international dishes. After dinner, you can hop up to Fransje’s Bar on top for a superb panoramic view of Downtown along with craft cocktails and cold beer. There’s also a small souvenir shop.

The café in the beautifully restored historic Nicolaas Store in the heart of downtown San Nicolas serves up great barista-style hot and iced coffees and snacks. With seating indoors or out, this is an ideal pit stop before or after exploring the outdoor art. The big communal courtyard out front is often the site of special events with music as well.

Rising like a phoenix from a vacant lot, this funky new gathering place specializes in creative modern cuisine and handcrafted cocktails in an alfresco bar/garden setting with eye-popping outdoor art. The eclectic menu, though small, includes authentic Aruban flavors like sanger yena (blood sausage) and Dutch fusion dishes like Gouda spring rolls and popcorn chicken waffles with peanut sauce. Vegan dishes are creative, too, but the grill is king on Sundays—their weekly BBQs with DJ-driven music and mojito happy hours are legendary. 

You need not be a vegan or seeking gluten-free options to thoroughly enjoy the creative takes on strictly plant-based fare at this happy little nook, but if you are, it’s bound to be your new paradise. It’s tiny though, so if you intend to dine in, reservations are a must, though there is a bustling takeout and delivery business, too. The owners organize cool vegan events like hikes, cruises, and "sushi" nights.

Inspired by the 1974 Steve McQueen film Papillon, evident in the decor, the French- and Caribbean-inspired menu includes classics like frog’s legs, escargots, caviar, duck breast with passion-fruit sauce, and local snapper with grilled shrimp covered in creole sauce. Service is old-school stellar, and soft live music adds to the enchanting ambiance.

With stunning seafront sunsets and tiki torch lighting to enhance the mood, the signature restaurant of Amsterdam Manor is a favorite romantic escape for those seeking toes-in-the-sand dining. Popular with families (children under three eat free) and small groups as well, beachfront breakfasts and lunches are served on the deck. Though "reef cuisine" is their specialty, there's also meat, vegetarian, and vegan offerings.